From Judaism to Christianity
Sabina Wurmbrand was born into an observant Jewish family on July 10, 1913, in Czernowitz, then part of Austria-Hungary. Although her early life was marked by a carefree pursuit of pleasure, everything changed when she encountered Jesus. In 1938, alongside her husband, Richard, she embraced Christianity, a decision that profoundly altered the course of their lives.
Standing Against Communist Persecution
During World War II, Sabina and Richard risked their lives to rescue Jewish children and teach them about Jesus, even as the Nazis took her parents and siblings. After the war, Romania fell under Communist rule, and Sabina urged Richard to stand against the regime's oppression of Christians. She boldly told him, 'Stand up and wash away this shame from the face of Christ! They are spitting in His face.' Despite knowing the consequences, she refused to support cowardice, declaring, 'I don't wish to have a coward as a husband.'
Faith Tested in Romanian Prison
In 1950, Sabina's faith was tested when she was arrested and imprisoned in a Romanian slave labor camp. She endured harsh conditions, yet found strength in prayer, convinced that 'the Lord heard my prayers and took me out according to His plan.' She ministered to fellow prisoners, teaching Bible studies and sharing God's love in a world filled with 'many fears and many tears.' Even when offered freedom in exchange for renouncing her faith and divorcing Richard, Sabina stood firm.
God Healed in Prison
Miracles occurred during her imprisonment. After being thrown into a canal, she thought she'd broken ribs, yet God healed her. After three years, she was released, reuniting with Richard, who had also suffered imprisonment and torture for his beliefs.
In 1965, Christians ransomed the Wurmbrands, allowing them to flee to the United States. There, they founded The Voice of the Martyrs, an organization advocating for persecuted Christians. Sabina's life, marked by unwavering faith and courage, demonstrated the power of Jesus to transform and sustain even amidst suffering. Sabina Wurmbrand passed away on August 20, 2000, leaving a legacy of faithfulness and resilience.
